| photography by sarah guenter |
“Rooted in Beauty” is a celebration of the quiet magic that happens when people tend to the things they love - gardens, flowers, and the spaces that grow around them. In this series, we’re sharing the stories of three women who inspire us deeply: dear friends of Elsie Green whose lives are intertwined with soil, stems, and seasons.
Each comes to gardening in her own way - one a member of our team, one a familiar face from our shop’s past, and one the steward of a beloved local nursery - but all share a thoughtful, intuitive approach to cultivating beauty. We asked them to reflect on their gardens, their rituals, and what draws them back, again and again, to the work of growing.
Alongside their words, they’ve each curated a selection of favorite pieces from our new garden collection - tools and objects they reach for in their own spaces.
This series is an invitation to slow down, step outside, and see what takes root.
Meet Sarah Guenter, a former EG shopgirl and one of our dearest friends. Sarah has a tendency to make magic wherever she goes, and she always brings her meyer lemons and magnolia blooms to share with us at the shop. We know you'll love her as much as we do.
Do you remember the first plant or flower you ever fell in love with?
Sweet peas! Growing up where I did, the climate was perfect for growing these magical climbing flowers. I loved watching the delicate tendrils curl around trellises and really anything they could climb up. The frilly, candy coloured flowers are so perfect. And the scent! There is really nothing more perfect.
Is there a particular moment each spring that feels magical to you?
My obsession with watching the seedlings sprout through the ground. My family laughs at me, but literally each morning in early spring I am out in the garden, excitedly watching for new growth popping through the dirt, or seeing how much taller a little sprout is since the previous morning. This is exciting stuff!
Are there any new varieties or plants you’re experimenting with right now?
This is only my 3rd year growing Japanese anemones, so it still feels new. I am amazed at how much they spread, and how easy they are to split, and I am currently plotting what other areas in my garden I can take the cuttings to. I’m certain within a few years my whole garden will be mainly different varieties of them.
I have found the most experimentation for me is understanding different planting zones. Depending on where we have lived in the world, the growing zones are different. And I have had to adapt my planting sensibilities to suit each space. For instance, my favourite garden style is the overgrown English garden, but living in a very hot and dry zone in California has had me adapt to growing things that look big and have colour and movement in plants like the Japanese anemone and the matilija poppy.
What makes an outdoor space feel truly inviting to you?
I like to have garden tables and chairs tucked within my varying garden spaces. I am a shade seeker, so pretty umbrellas and structures will also be found. These add visual interest, and invite you to stop and spend time enjoying the layers of sensory delights. I take my morning coffee in one of the seating areas, and an evening cocktail in another. And the long, rustic, outdoor table that has views of the entire garden is my family's favourite place to dine.
What’s your best advice for someone starting a garden from scratch?
It’s all trial and error the first year or two! You may have a vision in your mind, but the soil and the planting zone may have other plans for you. Also, patience! Some plants and flowers take a year or more to flower and take off. Just when you are about to give up, inevitably a flower will bloom.
I also map out what I have planted and where. It’s great to understand the cycle of your garden. Go in with a plan. Is it a colour scheme? Is it a style of garden?
Make sure you have good soil, good tools and good fertilizer. A good hat and gloves go a long way.
Is there a flower or plant that feels deeply personal to you?
Peonies hold an extremely special place in my heart. I come from a long line of gardeners, in fact everything I know about planting and gardening I learned from my mother, and in turn, she learned from hers. And one thing that has been consistent in all of our gardens is the peony. My mom's were award worthy, and for the growing months, she would always have overflowing bouquets of them popped throughout the house, just to take the weight off of the plants outside! They may not grow the same way where I live now, but I still have them in my garden. It’s non-negotiable for me, and I will always find a way to get them growing. It makes me feel closest to my mom.
Loving all the natural beauty? Explore our other garden posts >
